ADVOC8
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THE ROLE The Creative Director at ADVOC8 leads the creative vision for client projects from concept to completion. They are an idea-driven maker and mentor – equally comfortable presenting bold ideas to clients as they are sketching, directing design, or refining storytelling details.
This role sits at the heart of our creative process, translating strategy and insights into experiences that build trust, shift minds, and win hearts. The ideal candidate thrives in collaboration, brings both strategic and aesthetic clarity to the work, and knows how to inspire a team to deliver creative that is as smart as it is stunning.
Who We Are At ADVOC8, we create experiences that build trust, shift minds and win hearts. Our special sauce? Chemistry, collaboration and an endless supply of curiosity. We’re a team of strategic thinkers, creative problem-solvers, thoughtful storytellers and logistical magicians who bring ideas to life from strategy and creative through to production and execution. We work with brands, nonprofits and associations to create impactful experiences, all in a flexible, work-from-anywhere environment that celebrates differences and encourages each of our advocates to bring unique perspectives to the table every day.
Responsibilities Creative & Project Leadership
Lead creative development across multiple client projects and pitches, from briefing to final delivery.
Translate strategic insights and audience understanding into breakthrough creative concepts and narratives.
Collaborate closely with Production and Growth teams to ensure creative alignment and feasibility throughout the process.
Guide the creation of decks, storytelling, and visual presentations that bring ideas to life.
Present creative ideas with clarity and conviction to clients and internal stakeholders.
Serve as a key creative point of contact for clients, balancing their goals with ADVOC8’s creative vision.
Direct and refine the work of designers, art directors and other creative team members to ensure the highest level of craft and consistency.
Travel to and participate in site visits and on-site execution as the project's creative lead.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
Mentor and coach members of the creative team, providing clear feedback and professional development support.
Foster an environment of creative curiosity, inclusion, and collaboration.
Partner with the Head of Creative to ensure creative standards, processes, and deliverables are upheld across the department.
Help identify freelance or vendor partners to support creative needs as projects require.
Business Development Support
Contribute to new business proposals and pitches, collaborating with the Growth team to craft compelling creative approaches.
Support the development of project scopes, creative budgets, and timelines to ensure deliverables are achievable and well-resourced.
Bring fresh thinking to new opportunities – spotting moments for innovation, storytelling, and visual impact that align with client and agency goals.
Skills & Qualifications Experience & Leadership
7–10 years of creative experience in experiential marketing, design, or advertising.
3–5 years of experience leading creative projects or teams within an agency environment.
Recent Creative Agency experience strongly encouraged.
Strong portfolio showcasing experiential, environmental, or event-driven creative work.
Confident presenting creative work and managing client relationships at senior levels.
Creative & Technical Skills
Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop required; XD or After Effects a plus).
Design know‑how to create print-ready files and troubleshoot Adobe design questions from team members.
Deep understanding of experiential design – from physical spaces and fabrications to integrated campaigns.
Strong visual storytelling, concepting and presentation-building skills.
Experience directing renderings, reviewing floor plans, and collaborating with fabrication partners.
Comfortable working in Google Suite and Microsoft Office; ability to build and edit presentation decks in Slides, Keynote and PowerPoint.
Team & Culture
Collaborative, ego‑free creative leader who uplifts and empowers teammates.
Equally strategic and hands‑on – able to think big and sweat the details.
Excited by the intersection of creativity, experience, and storytelling.
Brings positivity, curiosity and inclusivity to every project and conversation.
Experience writing and reviewing contracts with creative freelancers and vendors is a plus.
Aligned with and committed to ADVOC8’s core values; represents them in daily work.
Ability to travel 30% of the year.
Core Values
Better Together – Collaborative soul who's open to new ideas, sharing successes and being part of a team.
Level Up – High standards, never settling for the status quo or what we did last time.
Hustle Smarter – Entrepreneurial, roll‑up‑your‑sleeves spirit, tempered by the courage to identify smarter ways of doing things.
Celebrate Differences – Highly empathetic personality who values individual perspectives.
Outcome Over Income – Extensive experience and demonstrated success in client relationship management.
Protect the Respect – Navigates conflict with an emphasis on transparency and diplomacy.
Engineer Exceptional Value – Inspired by outside‑the‑box thinking that yields outstanding ROI for our clients and projects.
Embrace Change – Recognize situations that require flexibility and craft creative solutions on the fly.
Benefits
Collaborative and creative work environment.
Competitive base salary, with additional performance-based incentives.
Health Insurance: 100% coverage of base level medical insurance plus buy‑up options to meet the needs of you and your family.
Dental and vision insurance.
401(k), FSA, and stipend for mobile phone usage.
Professional development and training reimbursements.
Flexible work schedule.
Unlimited vacation and personal time.
Paid parental leave and Grandternity Leave.
Fully remote company.
We have transitioned from a once Washington D.C.-based agency to being Washington, D.C.-born. This position is not location-based; however, travel will occasionally be required for project work and team offsites. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.; at this time, we are not able to provide sponsorship.
At ADVOC8, building an inclusive team that celebrates our differences is integral to our success. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply even if you don’t meet all qualifications.
At ADVOC8, we are committed to fostering transparency and equity in compensation. The salary range provided for this position reflects the base salary offered to a successful candidate based on their experience, qualifications, and internal compensation structures. Please note that this salary range is subject to change based on evolving market conditions, company budget, and other factors, and does not include potential bonuses, benefits, or other forms of compensation. Final compensation may vary depending on the candidate’s negotiation, location, and the specific role’s requirements. We believe in fair pay for all employees and encourage candidates to engage in open conversations with us regarding compensation expectations during the hiring process.
ADVOC8 is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to achieving a diverse workforce, and prohibits discrimination and harassment: ADVOC8 is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ADVOC8 are based on business needs, job requirements, and the individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, neurodivergence, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, exercising the right to family care and medical leave, veteran status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law. ADVOC8 will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Employment with ADVOC8 is conditional upon receipt of satisfactory results to an applicable background check, conducted once an offer has been extended and agreed upon.
Salary: $135,000 - $150,000 per year
Seniority Level Director
Employment Type Full-time
Job Function Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries Marketing Services
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at ADVOC8 by 2x
Get notified about new Creative Director jobs in Chicago, IL.
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THE ROLE The Creative Director at ADVOC8 leads the creative vision for client projects from concept to completion. They are an idea-driven maker and mentor – equally comfortable presenting bold ideas to clients as they are sketching, directing design, or refining storytelling details.
This role sits at the heart of our creative process, translating strategy and insights into experiences that build trust, shift minds, and win hearts. The ideal candidate thrives in collaboration, brings both strategic and aesthetic clarity to the work, and knows how to inspire a team to deliver creative that is as smart as it is stunning.
Who We Are At ADVOC8, we create experiences that build trust, shift minds and win hearts. Our special sauce? Chemistry, collaboration and an endless supply of curiosity. We’re a team of strategic thinkers, creative problem-solvers, thoughtful storytellers and logistical magicians who bring ideas to life from strategy and creative through to production and execution. We work with brands, nonprofits and associations to create impactful experiences, all in a flexible, work-from-anywhere environment that celebrates differences and encourages each of our advocates to bring unique perspectives to the table every day.
Responsibilities Creative & Project Leadership
Lead creative development across multiple client projects and pitches, from briefing to final delivery.
Translate strategic insights and audience understanding into breakthrough creative concepts and narratives.
Collaborate closely with Production and Growth teams to ensure creative alignment and feasibility throughout the process.
Guide the creation of decks, storytelling, and visual presentations that bring ideas to life.
Present creative ideas with clarity and conviction to clients and internal stakeholders.
Serve as a key creative point of contact for clients, balancing their goals with ADVOC8’s creative vision.
Direct and refine the work of designers, art directors and other creative team members to ensure the highest level of craft and consistency.
Travel to and participate in site visits and on-site execution as the project's creative lead.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
Mentor and coach members of the creative team, providing clear feedback and professional development support.
Foster an environment of creative curiosity, inclusion, and collaboration.
Partner with the Head of Creative to ensure creative standards, processes, and deliverables are upheld across the department.
Help identify freelance or vendor partners to support creative needs as projects require.
Business Development Support
Contribute to new business proposals and pitches, collaborating with the Growth team to craft compelling creative approaches.
Support the development of project scopes, creative budgets, and timelines to ensure deliverables are achievable and well-resourced.
Bring fresh thinking to new opportunities – spotting moments for innovation, storytelling, and visual impact that align with client and agency goals.
Skills & Qualifications Experience & Leadership
7–10 years of creative experience in experiential marketing, design, or advertising.
3–5 years of experience leading creative projects or teams within an agency environment.
Recent Creative Agency experience strongly encouraged.
Strong portfolio showcasing experiential, environmental, or event-driven creative work.
Confident presenting creative work and managing client relationships at senior levels.
Creative & Technical Skills
Expert-level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop required; XD or After Effects a plus).
Design know‑how to create print-ready files and troubleshoot Adobe design questions from team members.
Deep understanding of experiential design – from physical spaces and fabrications to integrated campaigns.
Strong visual storytelling, concepting and presentation-building skills.
Experience directing renderings, reviewing floor plans, and collaborating with fabrication partners.
Comfortable working in Google Suite and Microsoft Office; ability to build and edit presentation decks in Slides, Keynote and PowerPoint.
Team & Culture
Collaborative, ego‑free creative leader who uplifts and empowers teammates.
Equally strategic and hands‑on – able to think big and sweat the details.
Excited by the intersection of creativity, experience, and storytelling.
Brings positivity, curiosity and inclusivity to every project and conversation.
Experience writing and reviewing contracts with creative freelancers and vendors is a plus.
Aligned with and committed to ADVOC8’s core values; represents them in daily work.
Ability to travel 30% of the year.
Core Values
Better Together – Collaborative soul who's open to new ideas, sharing successes and being part of a team.
Level Up – High standards, never settling for the status quo or what we did last time.
Hustle Smarter – Entrepreneurial, roll‑up‑your‑sleeves spirit, tempered by the courage to identify smarter ways of doing things.
Celebrate Differences – Highly empathetic personality who values individual perspectives.
Outcome Over Income – Extensive experience and demonstrated success in client relationship management.
Protect the Respect – Navigates conflict with an emphasis on transparency and diplomacy.
Engineer Exceptional Value – Inspired by outside‑the‑box thinking that yields outstanding ROI for our clients and projects.
Embrace Change – Recognize situations that require flexibility and craft creative solutions on the fly.
Benefits
Collaborative and creative work environment.
Competitive base salary, with additional performance-based incentives.
Health Insurance: 100% coverage of base level medical insurance plus buy‑up options to meet the needs of you and your family.
Dental and vision insurance.
401(k), FSA, and stipend for mobile phone usage.
Professional development and training reimbursements.
Flexible work schedule.
Unlimited vacation and personal time.
Paid parental leave and Grandternity Leave.
Fully remote company.
We have transitioned from a once Washington D.C.-based agency to being Washington, D.C.-born. This position is not location-based; however, travel will occasionally be required for project work and team offsites. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.; at this time, we are not able to provide sponsorship.
At ADVOC8, building an inclusive team that celebrates our differences is integral to our success. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply even if you don’t meet all qualifications.
At ADVOC8, we are committed to fostering transparency and equity in compensation. The salary range provided for this position reflects the base salary offered to a successful candidate based on their experience, qualifications, and internal compensation structures. Please note that this salary range is subject to change based on evolving market conditions, company budget, and other factors, and does not include potential bonuses, benefits, or other forms of compensation. Final compensation may vary depending on the candidate’s negotiation, location, and the specific role’s requirements. We believe in fair pay for all employees and encourage candidates to engage in open conversations with us regarding compensation expectations during the hiring process.
ADVOC8 is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to achieving a diverse workforce, and prohibits discrimination and harassment: ADVOC8 is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at ADVOC8 are based on business needs, job requirements, and the individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, neurodivergence, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, exercising the right to family care and medical leave, veteran status or any other status protected under federal, state or local law. ADVOC8 will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Employment with ADVOC8 is conditional upon receipt of satisfactory results to an applicable background check, conducted once an offer has been extended and agreed upon.
Salary: $135,000 - $150,000 per year
Seniority Level Director
Employment Type Full-time
Job Function Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries Marketing Services
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at ADVOC8 by 2x
Get notified about new Creative Director jobs in Chicago, IL.
#J-18808-Ljbffr